Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths among Inhabitants of Cambodia (2006-2011)

In order to investigate the status of intestinal helminthic infections in Cambodia, epidemiological surveys were carried out on a national scale, including 19 provinces. A total of 32,201 fecal samples were collected from schoolchildren and adults between 2006 and 2011 and examined once by the Kato-Katz thick smear technique. The overall egg positive rate of intestinal helminths was 26.2%. The prevalence of hookworms was the highest (9.6%), followed by that of Opisthorchis viverrini/minute intestinal flukes (Ov/MIF) (5.7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4.6%), and Trichuris trichiura (4.1%). Other types of parasites detected were Enterobius vermicularis (1.1%), Taenia spp. (0.4%), and Hymenolepis spp. (0.2%). The northwestern regions such as the Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey Provinces showed higher prevalences (17.4-22.3%) of hookworms than the other localities. The southwestern areas, including Koh Kong and Preah Sihanouk Provinces showed higher prevalences of A. lumbricoides (17.5-19.2%) and T. trichiura (6.1-21.0%). Meanwhile, the central and southern areas, in particular, Takeo and Kampong Cham Provinces, showed high prevalences of Ov/MIF (23.8-24.0%). The results indicate that a considerably high prevalence of intestinal helminths has been revealed in Cambodia, and thus sustained national parasite control projects are necessary to reduce morbidity due to parasitic infections in Cambodia.     

柬埔寨普猎蝽属二新记录种

The stenopodaine genus Oncocephalus Klug, 1850 and two species of this genus, O. Breviscutum Reuter, 1882 and O. Pudicus Hsiao, are recorded from Cambodia for the first time.     

A coprological study of parasitism in orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) in Indonesia

Fecal specimens from 89 orangutans (36 captive, 34 rehabilitant, and 19 wild) at different locations in Indonesia were examined. Strongyloides spp, Balantidium coli, and strongylid nematodes were the most common infestations detected. A syngamid nematode, Mammomonogamus sp, is reported for the first time in orangutans.     

Catch composition and reproductive biology of whaler sharks (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae) caught by fisheries in Indonesia

The first detailed information on the biological aspects of members of the economically important shark family Carcharhinidae in Indonesian waters is given. Carcharhinids dominated the landings of sharks at sites visited, comprising almost 60% of the total biomass of all sharks recorded, over an intensive 5 year sampling period. A total of 26 species of carcharhinids, representing half of the species in the Carcharhinidae, were recorded. The most abundant species, in terms of numbers recorded, were Scoliodon laticaudus and Carcharhinus falciformis , while the most abundant in terms of biomass were Prionace glauca , C. falciformis and Carcharhinus obscurus . Biological data are presented for 22 of the 26 species. The total length at which males attain maturity ( L ₅₀) was determined for 10 species. The biological aspects of a number of species, most notably Carcharhinus sorrah and Loxodon macrorhinus , were found to differ from those recorded in the literature for other regions.     

Mites of the genus Holostaspella (Acari: Gamasida: Macrochelidae) in Indonesia

The genus Holostaspella of the family Macrochelidae consists of more than 30 species. Of these, seven species have been recorded from Indonesia. In the present study, we review the genus in Indonesia, record two species ( H. pulchella and H. similiornata ) for the first time from Indonesia, and describe two new species ( H. oblonga n. sp. and H. villosa n. sp.) on the basis of the specimens collected in Java and Sulawesi. A key to the species of the genus in Indonesia is also provided.     

Skeletal form and growth in Acropora aspera (Dana) from the Pulau Seribu,Indonesia

Linear extension and calcium carbonate accretion were measured in the branching coral Acropora aspera (Dana) from shallow-water sites around Pulau Pari, Pulau Seribu, Indonesia, during both wet and dry monsoon periods. Skeletal density and corallite form were also monitored in specimens collected from sites, variously affected by wave energy resulting from the monsoonal influence. Although the reversing monsoon appeared to exert the greatest effect on skeleton growth (by influencing temperature and possibly number of “sun-hours”) wave energy was also shown to affect skeletal extension, skeletal accretion, and skeletal density. The scale of differences between growth rate measurements was greatest for weight of skeleton accreted between monsoon period (8-fold), followed by between site differences (maximum 3-fold during west monsoon) and finally between station differences (maximum 3-fold during west monsoon at an outer reef flat and reef edge station). Skeletal extension did not appear to be as sensitive to the reversing monsoon influence as skeletal accretion.     

Status of intestinal parasite infections among children in Bat Dambang, Cambodia

A survey was conducted to determine the extent of intestinal parasite infection in Bat Dambang, Cambodia in March 2004. A total of 623 fecal specimens was collected from kindergarten and schoolchildren and examined using the formalin-ether sedimentation technique. The overall infection rate of intestinal parasites was 25.7% (boys, 26.2%; girls, 25.1%), and the infection rates of intestinal helminthes by species were as follows: Echinostoma sp. 4.8%, hookworm 3.4%, Hymenolepis nana 1.3%, and Rhabditis sp. 1.3%. The infection rates of intestinal protozoa were; Entamoeba coli 4.8%, Giardia lamblia 2.9%, Iodamoeba butschlii 1.4%, Entamoeba polecki 1.1%, and Entamoeba histolytica 0.8%. There were no egg positive cases of Ascaris lumbricoides or Trichuris trichiura. All children infected were treated with albendazole, praziquantel, or metronidazole according to parasite species. The results showed that intestinal parasites are highly endemic in Bat Dambang, Cambodia.     

Marital mobility in populations of the High Aran Valley

The analysis of 2.623 marriage certificates in the towns in the High Aran Valley shows marriage mobility between the years 1650 and 1990 and indicates the level of population's endogamy. The results from the data collected in the town of Arties are presented as an example. The distribution of the places of origin of spouses and a factor analysis show a remarkable geographical endogamy until 1940. The results from marriage mobility are confirmed by data from blood polymorphism studies, matrimonial dispensations and surnames.     

Species and size compositions and reproductive biology of rays (Chondrichthyes, Batoidea) caught in target and non-target fisheries in eastern Indonesia

Extensive surveys of various fish landing sites in eastern Indonesia, conducted between April 2001 and March 2006, recorded a total of 54 species of batoid rays belonging to 12 families. The Dasyatidae was by far the most speciose family, comprising half of the recorded species, and was also the most abundant, contributing 89 and 44% to the total numbers and total estimated biomass of batoids, respectively. The size and sex compositions of 23 species of rays are described and an accurate size at maturity of males, i.e. with 95% CI, was determined for 13 of these species. The sex ratios were found to be close to parity in the majority of species, however, the landings of the whitespotted guitarfish Rhynchobatus australiae consisted of significantly more females than males, a situation also recorded for this species in the by-catch of the northern Australian prawn fishery. Data on aspects of the reproductive biology of three dasyatid species ( Dasyatis cf. kuhlii , Dasyatis zugei and Himantura walga ), which form a substantial component of the by-catch of the bottom trawl fisheries in the region, were collected on most sampling occasions. These small rays, i.e. maximum sizes 243–379 mm disc width, were found to have no distinct seasonal reproductive cycle and small litter sizes, i.e. less than four embryos. Opportunistic reproductive data, e.g. litter size and embryo sizes, were also collected from various other species. The litter sizes of the rhynchobatid and rhinobatid species examined were found to be larger than those of the gymnurid and dasyatid species examined, i.e. seven to 19 and two to 13 v. one to four, respectively. The data presented in this paper for the numerous species of rays which are landed by target and non-target fisheries in Indonesia represent the first such data for the vast majority of these species.     

Status of intestinal parasites infection among primary school children in Kampongcham,Cambodia

A survey was made to find the extent of intestinal parasite infection in Kampongcham, Cambodia in February 2002. A total of 251 fecal specimens were collected from Tonlebat primary school children and examined by formalin-ether sedimentation technique. The overall infection rate of intestinal parasite was 54.2% (males, 57.3%; females, 50.8%). The infection rate of intestinal helminths by the species were as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides 26.3%, Echinostoma sp. 15.6%, hookworm 6.4%, Opisthorchis sp. 4.0%, Rhabditis sp. 2.4%, and Trichuris trichiura 0.4%. The infection rate of intestinal protozoa were as follows: E. coli 7.6%, G. lamblia 3.2%, I. butschlii 3.2%, and E. histolytica 0.8%. More than two different kinds of parasites were found in 16.7% of the stool samples. All the children infected were treated with albendazole, praziquantel and metronidazole according to parasite species. The results showed that intestinal parasites are highly endemic in this area.     

New genus of Phycitinae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) with description of a new species from Cambodia

Samkosia gen. n. and its type species, Samkosia cambodiensis sp. n. , are described and illustrated from Cambodia. The new combination S. rufimaculella (Yamanaka, 1993) comb. n. , is suggested. The adults and genitalia of the new species are illustrated.     

The impact of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) program on radiation and tissue banking in Indonesia

In 1986, the National Nuclear Energy Agency (Batan) in Jakarta started the research and development for the setting up of a tissue bank (Batan Research Tissue Bank/BRTB) by preserving fresh amnion or fetal membranes by lyophilisation and then sterilising by gamma irradiation. During the period of 1990 and 2000, three more tissue banks were set up, i.e., Biomaterial Centre in Surabaya, Jamil Tissue Bank in Padang, and Sitanala Tissue Bank in Tangerang. In 1994, BRTB produced bone allografts. The banks established under the IAEA program concentrated its work on the production of amnion, bone and soft tissues allografts, as well as bone xenografts. These tissues (allografts and xenografts) were sterilised using gamma irradiation (about 90%) and the rest were sterilized by ETO and those products have been used in the treatment of patients at more than 50 hospitals in Indonesia. In 2004, those tissue banks produced 8,500 grafts and 5,000 of them were amnion grafts for eye treatment and wound dressing. All of those grafts were used for patients as well as for research. In 2006, the production increased to 9,000 grafts. Although the capacity of those banks can produce more grafts, we are facing problems on getting raw materials from suitable donors. To fulfill the demand of bone grafts we also produced bone xenografts. The impact of the IAEA program in tissue banking activities in Indonesia can be summarised as follows: to support the national program on importing substitutes for medical devices. The price of imported tissues are between US$ 50 and US$ 6,000 per graft. Local tissue bank can produce tissues with the same quality with the price for about 10–30% of the imported tissues.     

Freshwater Ostracods (Crustacea: Ostracoda) of the Genus Cypretta VAVRA, 1895 from Malaysia,Indonesia and the Philippines

The genus Cypretta VAVRA, 1895 from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines is reviewed. Currently, eleven species are known from these areas. Two new species are described and two species are redescribed. Remarks and diagnostic illustrations are given for the known species.     

Epibiont protozoan communities on Caridina lanceolata (Crustacea, Decapoda) from the Malili lakes of Sulawesi (Indonesia)

The epibiont protozoan communities living on the freshwater shrimp Caridina lanceolata Woltereck, 1937a from the three major lakes (Towuti, Matano and Mahalona) of the Malili lake system (Sulawesi, Indonesia) were studied. The number of epibionts varied between 2 and 971 per shrimp. Seven protozoan ciliate species were found: Acineta sulawesiensis n. sp., Cothurnia sp., Zoothamnium sp. (in all three lakes), Vorticella sp. (Lake Mahalona and Lake Matano), Opercularia sp. (Lake Mahalona), Epistylis sp. (Lake Mahalona and Lake Matano), and Podophrya sp. (Lake Mahalona). Although these ciliates had been found previously on other crustaceans, they have not been observed as epibionts on Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837. The distribution of the different epibiont species on the anatomical units of the shrimp was analyzed in each lake. There is a statistical significant difference between the three lakes in respect to the number of epibionts on each anatomical unit of all analyzed shrimps. The total and mean densities of each epibiont species on the different analyzed shrimps showed a significant difference between the three lakes; i.e., the presence of each epibiont species on the population of C. lanceolata varied from one lake to another. In Lake Towuti the highest density of epibionts was found on the anterior part of the shrimp body (rostrum, antennae, antennulae and eyes) (32.41%), while in the other two lakes, the highest colonization corresponded to the maxillipeds (31.56% Lake Matano, 40.89% Lake Mahalona). In Lake Towuti the rest of epibionts colonized mainly maxillipeds and pleopods (both 45.76% of epibionts). In Lake Matano, other epibionts were distributed principally on the anterior part of the body and pleopods (in total 57.18% of epibionts). In Lake Mahalona, other epibionts were divided among the anterior part of the body, pereiopods and pleopods (in total 57.39% of the epibionts). Uropods and telson were the units less colonized in Lake Matano (3.64%) and Lake Mahalona (1.72%), while in Lake Towuti, they presented a moderate density (13.18% of the epibionts). Taking into account the distribution of epibionts along the antero-posterior axis of the shrimp, considering the different anatomical units, there was a significant correlation between the three lakes. This fact indicates that, in the three lakes, the colonization on C. lanceolata followed a similar distribution pattern, independently of the epibiont species present. The comparison between the distributions of the same epibiont species along the longitudinal axis of the shrimp on the diverse lakes showed that they correlated respect to their density values on the anatomical units of the shrimp. Diverse aspects of the colonization patterns are discussed. Morphological features, taxonomic identification, and particular distribution of the epibiont species in each lake are also included.     

Polydactylus bifurcus, a new species of threadfin from Lombok Island, Indonesia (Perciformes: Polynemidae)

Polydactylus bifurcus sp. nov. is described on the basis of a single specimen collected from Lombok Island, Indonesia. The new species is distinguished from all other Indo-Pacific Polydactylus species by the following combination of characters: 15 pectoral fin rays, 5 pectoral filaments, 69 pored lateral line scales, 30 gill rakers, second spine of first dorsal fin very strong and lateral line bifurcated on caudal fin base, extending to posterior margins of upper and lower caudal fin lobes. Received: October 19, 2000 / Revised: April 21, 2001 / Accepted: April 25, 2001     

Occurrence of a Hybrid Between Taenia saginata and Taenia asiatica Tapeworms in Cambodia

Human infection with Taenia asiatica or a hybrid between Taenia saginata and T. asiatica has not been reported in Cambodia. We detected for the first time a hybrid form between T. saginata and T. asiatica in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia. An adult tapeworm specimen, i.e., 75 cm long strobila without scolex, was expelled from a 27-year-old man after praziquantel medication and purging. It was morphologically indistinguishable between T. saginata and T. asiatica. Several proglottids were molecularly analyzed to confirm the tapeworm species. The mitochondrial gene encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and nuclear genes encoding elongation factor-1α (ef1) and ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM)-like protein (elp) were sequenced, and a single-allele analysis was performed to confirm the haploid genotype. The results revealed that our sample showed a discrepancy between the mitochondrial and 2 nuclear genes. It possessed homozygous sequences typical of T. saginata at cox1 and ef1 loci. However, it was heterozygous at the elp locus, with 1 allele in T. asiatica (elpA) and 1 in T. saginata (elpC), which indicates that it is a hybrid between T. saginata and T. asiatica. The present results confirmed the presence of a hybrid between T. saginata and T. asiatica in Cambodia and strongly suggest the existence of also ‘pure’ T. asiatica in Cambodia.     

Population densities of Sulawesi crested black macaques (Macaca nigra) on Bacan and Sulawesi,Indonesia: Effects of habitat disturbance and hunting

Population surveys of Sulawesi crested black macaques (Macaca nigra) were conducted on the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi and Bacan in 1992–1994 to assess the status of natural populations and determine habitat and anthropogenic factors affecting their population densities. We surveyed five sites for primates, including undisturbed and disturbed habitats. Data were collected on habitat structure and composition at two undisturbed and one disturbed forest site in which the primates were surveyed. The highest density of macaques was found in primary forest at Gunung Sibela Nature Reserve on Bacan (170.3 individuals/km²). Population density in logged forest on Bacan was high but significantly less than primary forest (133.4 individuals/km²). The high density of crested black macaques in primary forest on Bacan is best explained by the high carrying capacity found in primary forest. The lower food quantity and quality of food resources found in logged forest correlated with lower primate densities compared to primary forest. However, the large population of macaques in logged forest demonstrates the conservation value of such forest. Densities on Sulawesi at Tangkoko-Batuangas-DuaSudara Nature Reserve (TBDS) showed a continuing decline since earlier surveys. Primate densities were highest near the protected center of Tangkoko Reserve (66.7 individuals/km²). The peripheral areas of Batuangas and DuaSudara, even though adjacent and continuous, showed lower population densities of 46.4 and 23.5 individuals/km², respectively. The best explanation for the continued decline of Macaca nigra populations at TBDS is hunting. Unless conservation measures are implemented immediately, M. nigra on Sulawesi risks extinction in the near future. Am. J. Primatol. 44:89–106, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Correlation study between gastronomy culture and content of selenium towards prevalence of cardiovascular and diabetes in West Java,Indonesia

Background and aimSelenium (Se) is an important element in the human body. Deficiency or excess of Se can cause harm to human health. A previous study showed an association of Se with cardiovascular and diabetes diseases. One of the food sources of Se is vegetables. In West Java, Indonesia, people consume fresh vegetables such as Garlic, Jengkol, and Petai. This research aims to study the correlation between the gastronomy culture of people in West Java, Se content in Garlic (Allium sativum), Jengkol (Archidendron pauciflorum) and Petai (Parkia speciosa) from several Regencys/cities in West Java, and the prevalence cardiovascular and diabetic diseases.MethodA cultural study was conducted based on a literature review. Cluster sampling was chosen for the sampling method. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in these regencies were obtained from the Ministry of Health of Indonesia. The measurement of Se content in a sample was conducted by the fluorometry method, based on the formation of the piazoselenol complex from the reaction between selenite ion and DAN (2,3-diaminonapthalene).ResultsPeople in West Java prefer to consume garlic, jengkol, and petai as a fresh vegetable as part of their culture. The highest content of Se in Allium sativum was found in Tasikmalaya City with a value of 69.20 ng/g. For Archidendron pauciflorum from Subang Regency values were 498 ng/g. Parkia speciosa found in the Bandung Barat Regency had a mean value 257.9 ng/g. There is a positive correlation between Se-concentration in Archidendron pauciflorum and the prevalence of diabetes while negative correlation with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. In addition, no correlation was observed for Allium sativum and Parkia Specose might be due to a lower Se-concentration in these vegetables that in the Archidendron fauciflorum.ConclusionDifferent areas have varying concentrations of Se in plants that grow in the region. The gastronomy culture and Se content may play a role to increase or decrease cardiovascular and diabetes prevalence in that area.